Take A Deep Breath Tuesday

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 52. It’s a rebuke to evil and evil doers, and a reassurance to us, that God does see and hear, and He is on the throne! I hope you’ll read the psalm for yourselves. This song comes to mind as I’m struggling my way through some things. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me. Thank you, again, Tasha Cobbs and friends, for a wonderful, wonderful inspiraton!

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Saturday Silly-December 5, 2020

I was talking to a friend earlier, about today’s inspirations post from God Calling. It has to do with giving of spiritual things first; then material things. We were also discussing holidays and observances for the month of December. I said, “The 27th is National Fruitcake Day, you know.” My little friend said, “Oh wow, you got your own holiday!” “Ha ha,” said I. “That means I get more gifts, doesn’t it? What are you going to give me for National Fruitcake Day?” She never missed a beat. “Oh, I think I’m going to get you one of those pretty little jackets that buckle in the back,” she replied.

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Sometimes You Have To Lay Down

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that when things aren’t going right, we need to look up to the Creator and His creation. (Psalm 121:1-2) is referenced by the message. I also like (Psalm 89:11) – “The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.”

There’s one more scriptural reference that goes with the message. (James 4:10) – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” The message bids us to train ourselves to look further than the end of our nose; ever further. This helps us to build greater vision; vision that can make things happen. When I think about that, I think about a pebble thrown into a pond. The ripples go outward from the point of impact (you); not inward. Each ripple outward is a little larger. This can happen when we share what the LORD/Lord blesses us with-be it knowledge, inspiration, revelation, admonition, whatever. It’s important to keep in mind that we are not just trudging through life here. Jesus said, “I’ve come to destroy the works of the devil;” and again, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” We are to be like Him; doing whatever we can to dispel evil and bring life abundantly, wherever we can.

When I thought about building greater vision, by looking further and further outward, I had to lay down. Remember when you were a child and laid out on the lawn? You were looking up at the sky, and you could see such a great expanse of it, right? Stand up and look straight up, and see how much of it your eyes can take in. Not very much, I found out. But when I lay down flat on my back, I can see from straight up over my head, to the horizon, to the tips of my toes. And I can see everything in that panorama….and so much more. God always has more for us than we expect. We often miss it, because our vision is limited. Sometimes, especially when things aren’t going right, you just have to lay down to get up.

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Furnish & Refurnish Them

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to furnish the quiet places in our souls; thereby, building our spiritual homes. Of course, spending time with God in prayer and praise is the most important part of that. But there’s more to this than meets the eye. We need to nourish the gifted parts of our beings, as well. God doesn’t give us gifts and talents for no reason.

At first glance, you’ll say, “What?!” Look at that again, though. God really did form your inward parts (heart and soul) “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) Furnishing the quiet places in your soul, then, is furnishing that creative part of you, that craft-loving part, the author/storyteller, the artist, the list goes on and on, doesn’t it? It should. These are gifts/talents that bring us peace, joy, purpose, little pleasures. I’m not telling you not to seek God and spend time with Him. I am telling you not to get so caught up on the one road that you miss the whole country-side surrounding you. Whenever we traveled, my Dad would try to take the scenic route whenever possible-and he would actually pull off the road and take a break when the highway traffic got heavy. Sometimes, we need a little change of scenery. You may be surprised at how much peace and joy you can find in a cook-book, and an afternoon spent in the kitchen. It stirs up creativity within, it brings comfort and joy to you and those for whom you’re cooking, and gives you a little glimpse of a gift God has given you…and maybe inspiration will take you to new heights.

I’ve said this before, I know; but one of my favorite little daily inspirational reads is from a book titled: Simple Abundance. It really does reach the creative part of you. Not only that, but you will be surprised at how much more you will appreciate all you have, and all you already are. I refer back to it from time to time, when I’m feeling out of sorts and frustrated along that same road.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Feeling That Feeling

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to feel the plenty in God’s Kingdom. We are assured that the storehouses of God are filled to overflowing with all of God’s goodness. – For us!

We’re told to walk by faith, not by sight. So, that feeling of plenty is really not a feeling, but a knowing. It is a matter of changing one’s thinking from supplication to thanksgiving. I believe that when we do that, we begin to grow, not only in faith, but in relationship with God. We begin to see that there is much more to God’s supply than material blessing. There is wisdom, courage, creativity, delight, humility, inspiration, joy, knowledge, laughter, love, passion, patience, peace, power, rest, security, steadfastness, strength, talents, understanding, zeal, or excitement. This is all WEALTH! And, see how wealthy you really are?! Yeah! God’s really, really good! My whole being was changed, merely as a result of giving thanks to God each morning, instead of a to-do list. Not that we shouldn’t make our requests known to God, but we should also-and this ties in with yesterday’s post-settle it in our hearts that it’s a done deal. God answered in the beginning! When we can accept that it’s already been done for us, we can start each day with a grateful heart, and the assurance that God’s got us covered.

This is an old one, but such a good one! Thank you, Michael English and the Gatiher Family.

Giving Comes From Him

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to give all we can, in every way we can. We are to imitate the greatest giver(s) of all time; Jesus, and our heavenly Father, who gave His own son for us.

Jeremiah is the prophet I’m currently reading for my study on generational curses. Chapter 30:18-22 speaks to me of what a great giver God is. It shows how mindful He is of us, our needs, our trials and tribulations. This is how we should think when we are presented with opportunities to give. After all, we are blessed in order that we might bless others as well. Jesus said, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

As you read these verses, we can see God’s heart is to lift up, to rebuild/restore dignity, joy, and peace, to prosper a soul, and to honor humanity, as it was designed by God. That leader spoken of is Jesus Christ, our Lord. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When I think about that in light of everything we face in the world, and how much of a difference one kind word, even a smile, or a helping hand can make for someone…I am inclined to bow before the Lord first, at every opportunity, and ask Him just to do it through me.

I’m also so grateful for all those beautiful people who give in almost every step they take. You are an inspiration to me when I want to just give up and throw in the towel. Thank you, all!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Rejoicing In Your Weaknesses

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2Cor. 12:9)

There was a time when I believed that was some mystical event that happened; that by some miracle, God would infuse me with supernatural strength. Over the years, I’ve learned just how much of a naturally occurring result of my accepting, or acknowledging that weakness-(truth), seeking the way to overcome it-(way), and rising up to walk in that way (life). Are you getting a picture of how simple it really is? Jesus said, “I am the truth, the life, and the way.” He is that in every situation.

Acceptance is the key to the whole thing. We all too often try to deny the weakness, or to fake our way through it. Notice the two words, “our way.” That’s what it is that gets us into trouble. If it’s your weakness, it’s obviously not the way to go, is it? Accepting the weakness empowers you to seek the way(s) to overcome it. This opens the door for God to work, and opens your mind and heart to receive insight, inspiration, and instruction. What went wrong, why, what’s your part in it, what can you do to fix it, or improve it, etc. These insights inspire ideas and creative energies. Then, the instruction(s) bring us up to the next level; to overcoming power, and to progress.

God is a creator, we are created in His image, after His likeness. Therefore, we are creators, and creative beings. We can resurrect, rebuild, restore, etc. That’s the power of God being perfected in us, in our weaknesses. This is why we are told to rejoice in our weakness; to see it as an incentive and an opportunity to rise to an even higher level. We aren’t to walk in denial, deception, depression, and all the other stuff that comes on you when you’re trying to fake your way through. Just be you; be the best you you can be. Accept yourself just as you are, and work from there. You can only work with what you’ve got; and, as they say, “God don’t make no junk!” Celebrate every step forward, every step upward, every step taken. God does; because He loves you!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

For Giving You Power Through It All

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that forgiveness is not an option. We are bid to forget all that lies behind us, and to fill our world with love and laughter.

I had to change my definition of forgiveness some time ago. I had to expand my understanding of forgiveness. That’s when I learned about the power, peace, and possibilities found in forgiveness. How can you lead someone out of a forest you’ve never been in yourself?

First of all, to forget the past is to be doomed to repeat it. However, the parts of it we need to forget are those very ones that held us bound to the ground, in pain, and immobilized by fear, guilt, shame, etc. That’s what forgiveness helps us to do. We are empowered by forgiveness, so that we are able to break the hold those things have on us; to let them go. That’s really all that forgiveness is; it’s letting go of the things that hurt and the ones who hurt us. Not necessarily in the sense of letting go of those who hurt us; but letting that “debt” go. Just as God forgave us through Christ Jesus, we can, through Him, forgive those who hurt us.

In order to do that, we need to change our definition of forgiveness, expanding it to it’s full meaning. You see, God uses all those things we go through for giving us power in regard to them, and in spite of them. We are blessed to be a blessing. When we are able to let go of the hurts, and of those who hurt us, we are empowered to be a blessing through them.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Just My Jesus Showin’…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that all those miracles are just natural happenings in the spiritual realm. It’s not a big thing; it’s just my Jesus showing. LOL If you operate in just your five senses, or in your flesh, they’ll seem out of the ordinary, or supernatural occurrences, though. That’s why we have to lose ourselves; step into that sixth sense-the spirit. See, that’s why I don’t think it strange at all when birds talk to me. And I almost never fall out of my chair anymore, when Jesus does it-I mean, does what I ask. He does catch me off guard every once in awhile…I’m sure He just laughs and laughs whenever He gets me, too; especially after all these years. “I love you, Lord,” she says with a big smile on her face.
The spiritual force behind those natural happenings is cultivated and grown over many hours, days, months, years of time spent with the Lord-walking as a child of God. That force is grown, groomed, fine-tuned, and perfected through many encounters, stumbles, slips, falls, lessons learned-some, hard ones, and a lot of prayers and worship time. The culmination of all of that is great “spiritual Power, operating marvelously,” and more and more perfected.
I want to remind you that I have published my Bible study on Establishing Your Daughter’s House. I’m working on a new Bible study on Your Glory. Becoming a published author has been an uphill battle, mostly because someone’s been bound and determined to kick my feet out from under me. But, I hope to have at least a few more books to offer within the next couple of months. That’s what I’ve been working on, in case anyone is wondering. I’ve posted the link to Establishing Your Daughter’s House below. I hope it inspires you as much as it did me, when I did the study.

Completed Weekly Bible Study Series
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Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, July 18, 2019, 11:40 a.m.

It’s Always A Good Day For Grace

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Today’s song choice is Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew. This is one of my favorites, too.

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